Looking Back

Kentucky did not play well in any aspect of the game against Vanderbilt in New Orleans in the SEC Tournament. The ‘Cats did not get their share of loose balls and for the most part played poor defense.

I feel Coach John Calipari could care less if the ‘Cats won or not. I personally do not think it ever helps to lose a game.

I feel Coach Cal should spend some time to better prepare when facing a zone defense.

As we look ahead it is always a possibility for Kentucky to miss three’s and to be intimidated around the basket. If that happens and the opposing team gets hot from the three-point line, the ‘Cats could be in trouble by the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The first NCAA Tournament I can recall listening to was sitting with my dad at the kitchen table when Kentucky played Seattle with their great All-American Elgin Baylor. The Wildcats were pretty good as well. Johnny Cox, Vernon Hatton, Adrian Smith, Ed Beck and John Crigler each came big and won the national championship of 1958.

My favorite Kentucky Wildcat over all the years was Jerry Bird who played in the mid fifties.

Jerry paired up with Bob Burrow and Phil Grawmeyer to give Coach Adolph Rupp what he often referred to as the best rebounding team he ever coached.

A few years ago I wrote of who I thought were the best 15 basketball players to ever play at Corbin High School.

I am going to once again pick 15 players, and at the peril of leaving out players. In no particular order I am going to expect my readers to add to the list.

1. Frank Selvy, 2. Jerry Bird, 3. Jerry Smith, 4. Calvin Bird, 5. Edd Selvy, 6. Tony Pietrowski, 7. Robert Barton, 8. Curt Selvy, 9. Marvin Selvy, 10. Bo Roaden, 11. Charles “Curly” Selvy, 12. Josh Crawford, 23. Isaac Johnson, 14. Travis Smith, 14. Madison Johnson.

These were 15 outstanding players off the top of my head and I am sure you can tell me whom I have left out.

I have seen all these guys play except Curt Selvy.

I felt this was a difficult basketball season for the Corbin Redhounds and Coach Tony Pietrowski, but it was not because of a lack of effort or desire to win.

You can count on Coach P to put his troops through the workouts in the summer. I feel we are very fortunate to have the best coach in the 13^th Region.

Well, my pick to win the boys’ state championship, Perry Central, lost out in the first game of the district. I will try once again only this time I will go with Scott County and Coach Billy Hicks.

After reading an article in the Lexington Herald-Leader with regard to the recruitment of Nerlens Noel, the 6’11” number one recruit of all the top programs, whoever ends up with this young mane will be under strong scrutiny especially the University of Kentucky.

The NCAA and Bobby Knight, the patron Saint of college basketball will be on John Calipari like a duck on a June bug.